Law enforcement honored at annual respect for law breakfast
Published 12:10 am Wednesday, May 11, 2016
- Rowan County Sheriff’s Deputy Tommy Cato was presented the Paul G. Wilson Award on Tuesday during the annual Respect for Law breakfast, which recognizes local law enforcement. The event was sponsored by the Salisbury Lions Club and held at First Baptist Church. Cato is seated with his wife, Wendy. Shavonne Walker/Salisbury Post
By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — It only takes 18 seconds to change the perception the community has of law enforcement, said former FBI agent Quentin Williams.
Williams, an attorney, author and international speaker shared with a room of law enforcement officers about an experience he had with with Rhode Island Police where he was mistakenly arrested. Williams said even after the ordeal, it would’ve made a difference if those officers had taken the time to say “sorry” about the mix up.
He said it would’ve taken the officers just 18 seconds to make it right. He congratulated the local officers, who were being named officer of the year for their respective departments, on being the type of officers that make a difference.
Williams was the featured speaker at the annual Respect for Law Breakfast, which was this year sponsored by the Salisbury Lions Club. The event was formerly sponsored by the Salisbury Optimist Club. The event was held at First Baptist Church in Salisbury.
“The voice is the most important tool that law enforcement have. The people in this room have the ability to use that tool to bring communities together,” Williams said.
Dr. Karl Hales presided over the program.
The following officers were honored:
• China Grove Police — Officer Nic Carpenter
Carpenter was hired in 2014 by the China Grove Police Department and prior to that was a reserve officer with Rockwell Police. He is a school resource office at Carson High.
• East Spencer Police — Officer Eric Fore
Fore came to East Spencer from Charlotte and is an officer who, unbeknownst to the chief, bought basketballs for children playing at Royal Giants Park and footballs for children playing at Grant Street Apartments.
• Kannapolis Police — Officer Lamar L. Harper
Harper is a military veteran who began with the Kannapolis Police Department in 2010 as a patrol officer. He currently works in the department’s criminal investigations division.
• Landis Police — Sgt. Kevin Young
Young has been with Landis since 2007. Chief Bob Wood said Young is a very good asset and is dedicated to the job.
• N.C. Highway Patrol — Trooper Travis Sloop
Sloop is an East Rowan and Applachian State University graduate who double majored in finance/banking and insurance risk managment. Prior to returning to Rowan County, he worked in Statesville for two years.
• Rockwell Police — Ret. Master Officer Mark Shue
Shue began his career as a 911 dispatcher and then worked as an Alcoa-funded deputy working on the Yadkin River. He’s also worked with the Salisbury Police Department and has for several years raised funds for Toys for Tots.
• Rowan County Sheriff’s Office — Det. Ronald “Ron” Mesimer
Mesimer is an East Rowan graduate and began his career in 1993 as a detention center officer where he worked for 13 years. He heads the department’s evidence department and assists with evidence collection at crime scenes.
• Salisbury Police — Sgt. Corey J. Brooks
Brooks is a Livingstone College graduate who began at the East Spencer Police Department before joining the Salisbury Police Department, where he is a member of the Honor Guard. He’s helped organize the Police Athletic Team and worked with the Spanish Coalition for the city of Salisbury.
• Spencer Police — Officer Crystal Hogan
Hogan has been with Spencer for two years where she began a coat collection and distribution program. She’s also been involved in a summer feeding program and volunteers to pack book bags for the Food For Thought backpack feeding program.
• V.A. Medical Center — Officer Matthew Hatfield
Hatfield, a 14-year Navy veteran, began with the VA Medical Center eight years ago. He never complains, and comes in early and stays late, said his peers, who voted him as officer of the year.
Contact reporter Shavonne Walker 704-797-4253.
